The Wellington Leader January 30, 2003

Earl Lynn Bartlett, life-long resident of Collingsworth County, died in Wellington, Sunday, January 26, 2003 at the age of 69. Born September 15, 1933 in Collingsworth County to Esdle and Marguerite Bartlett, he graduated from Wellington High School in 1951. He attended Tarleton State University where he played in the ROTC Marching Band and a college dance band. A veteran, he served in the Army where he flew with the Southwest Air Rangers and was a member of the Cadre. He married Barbara Coleman in Lonoke, AR on March 27, 1964. He had begun farming in 1957, raising dryland and irrigated cotton, milo, wheat and soybeans. Following retirement in 1995, Bartlett earned state certification as an insurance adjuster in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and New Mexico. He also became certified as a crop adjuster for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, where he served as official board member for six years and also Youth Director. Music was his foremost hobby and source of enjoyment. He had entertained at conventions, dances, bank openings and beauty contests. He marched with the Wayneright Rifles in Battle of the Flowers Parade in San Antonio, played with Bennett Goodlows Band at Samnorwood and even filled in at the piano for Bob Wills' Band one night. He was very active in his community which included 11 years as board director of the City State Bank; six years as FHA County Committeeman; four years on the Wellington City Council; four years as president of the Grain Growers Association of Collingsworth CO; president of the Skyrocket Booster Club; three years as Little League baseball coach and two years with All-Star Baseball teams.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara, of the home; three sons, Don Bartlett of Corpus Christi, Lynn Bartlett of Wellington and Joe Lynn Bartlett of Levelland; two daughters, Kim Mount of Garland and Kaylynn Wood of Hico and eight grandchildren.